The Harvard Family Research Project separated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to become the Global Family Research Project as of January 1, 2017. It is no longer affiliated with Harvard University.
Already the Second Semester of Kindergarten (Public Engagement & Ed Reform blog, Education Week, 1/23/13)
January 23, 2013
Read the research cited in this article
Parental Involvement and Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis
This Public Engagement & Ed Reform blog in Education Week is a first-person account by a self-professed “advocate of strong early childhood programs” who chronicles the joys and challenges of his granddaughter’s first semester in kindergarten, both in her all-day school program and in her activities outside of the classroom.
The author cites a Harvard Family Research Project research article, Parental Involvement and Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis, by William H. Jeynes, in pointing out evidence that there is a strong correlation between students’ academic success and parent engagement, and that children who participate in activities outside the classroom have higher academic achievement than those who do not. The blog author is quick to stress the enormous amount of family support that his granddaughter has had, which has greatly contributed to her successes. Proud of her progress, the author advocates doing the following to ensure success for all children:
- continue to advocate for high quality early childhood programs;
- let policymakers know that early childhood education is an investment rather than an expense;
- have great teachers in every classroom; and
- find ways for all kids to participate in exciting activities and experiences outside the classroom.
Read Already the Second Semester of Kindergarten and Parental Involvement and Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis .